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Insider's guide - United States

ENGLAND v UNITED STATESVenue: Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg Date: 12 June Time: 1930 BST Coverage: Live on BBC Radio 5 Live and ITV1; live text commentary and in-depth analysis on BBC Sport website
Full details of BBC World Cup coverage

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World Cup guide - USA

England get their World Cup campaign under way against the United States in Rustenburg on Saturday. As a key cog in the US midfield and the son of their coach, Michael Bradley has a unique insight into what makes them tick. Ahead of that richly anticipated Group C match, the Borussia Moenchengladbach midfielder gave
BBC Sport's Paul Fletcher
a behind-the-scenes look at Bob Bradley's side.

Who is the key player in the US squad? I wouldn't say there is just one - there is a group of older, veteran guys who have provided the strength and leadership in our team. Guys who have been to World Cups before and play at a high level week in, week out: Carlos Bocanegra, Tim Howard, Guchi Onaweyu, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan and Steve Tuerunderoll.

Michael Bradley, 22, has played 43 times for the United States

These guys have really got a lot of experience and are leaders by example. They know how to have a word with the younger guys.

Who is the dressing room joker?Everybody thinks they are. The atmosphere and the spirit in the team is good. Nobody is safe from anything, everybody is in on it.

Who is the team's hard man?We've got a real team mentality that means whenever we step on the field we will have 11 guys who will really make the game difficult for the other side. That is what makes us a good team. I try to play a big role in that.

What formation will they line-up?When you look at football nowadays the ability to be able to perform depends on fitness and the form of guys in your team, [but also] in the other team, on conditions. Good teams have the ability to tweak things here and there.

The main thing for us was that every time we stepped on the field, we knew what we were about as a team. We were not worried or defined by formations

Depending on what guys are playing on any given day it can look difficult, so it is hard to say. We've been through so many different games and situations in qualifying - the main thing for us was that every time we stepped on the field, we knew what we were about as a team and were not worried or defined by formations.

How would they describe their manager?Certainly focused, passionate, competitive. The spirit in the camp is good and we have a group that comes in and enjoys being together, but knows when it is time to get down to business. Getting that balance is really important.

What are they looking forward to most about the World Cup?It is the biggest honour for any footballer to represent their country at a World Cup. For that month during the tournament the world stops and all eyes will be on South Africa - to play in such big games as a player that is what you want. I want to be tested at the highest level. We've got a big chance now.

Moving onto England, what do you consider to be their main strengths?Fabio Capello has come in and done a really gone job, brought a winning mentality to the team, discipline and organisation. He has brought out the best from the best English players. They have guys playing for the best clubs in the world week-in, week-out. We played England in a friendly two years ago - and they will always be much different to World Cup games - but it gave certain guys a little idea of what it is like to play against their guys. We know their players from [our] guys in Premier League.

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We don't fear England - USA boss

It feels like we'll have a good grip on them and their strengths.

And how about weaknesses?Leading up to the game we will look closer at England and some of their recent performances: the way they play, the way they defend and how they want to attack. The main thing we stress to our team is that the players should want to be ready to step on field for 90 minutes and be committed and fight and run for each other to make the game hard for the other team.

Who do the US fear in the England team? The guy who everybody is going to talk about right now - and rightfully so - is Wayne Rooney. Everybody knows how special a player he is and how important he is to England. [Frank] Lampard, [Steven] Gerrard - these guys come in late and get their goals. There is a lot that we have to deal with.

The line between winning and losing, advancing from group or not, is so fine. There is so much more than looking and saying 'yes, these are the best teams'

How far will England go in the World Cup?You get asked this question a lot. The thing I always say is that England are one of a handful of teams that, on paper before the tournament, people would say have a big chance to make a run and win the tournament.

The line between winning and losing, advancing from group or not, is so fine. It's about who is in good form at the right time, who can take penalties, who gets a break at the right time. There is so much more than looking and saying 'yes, these are the best teams'.

Have you ever been to South Africa before?Yes and I'm really looking being there again [after the Confederation's Cup last year]. To be in South Africa a year before the tournament - to see the stadiums, the training facilities, the hotels, the country - was good. We really got a feel for what the weather will be like - and the altitude. It was almost a dry run - and on top of that to get five real quality games against top-notch opponents. That was really valuable.

If you could "sign" any player from another country, who would you pick?Wayne Rooney - right now by a mile. I look at him and obviously everybody knows how special a player he is - the goals, how dangerous he is. But I look at the mentality he has - he is a fighter, a winner - he looks like a guy that when he is on the field is not worried about who gets the goal but just that his team wins.

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